Pastor's Ponderings, September 25, 2017

Don’t Worry; Be Happy

A September 1988 popular worldwide hit song by musician Bobby McFerrin was entitled, "Don't Worry, Be Happy. " This wildly popular title came from an Indian mystic and sage Meher Baba (1894–1969) who originally used the expression. One line from this song was, “In every life we have some trouble, but when you worry you make it double. Don’t worry, be happy”

Yet current events might make one question this simplistic thinking.  There is the threat of global annihilation from nuclear miscalculations, major challenges from climate change, random acts of senseless violence, and the very real possibility of millions of American citizens losing healthcare in the foreseeable future.  This is not even considering the lack of clean drinking water, minimal health resources, a dearth of adequate food, prevalence of diseases and continual wars in various parts of our globe.

The dictionary says to be happy is to feel pleasure or contentment.  Perhaps Meher was onto something because the Bible says to be anxious about nothing, but pray and thank God in everything (Philippians 4:6).  The Bible says we do not have to let our hearts be troubled about anything (John 14:1).  Although we definitely will have trouble in this world system, we don’t have to worry about it because God has already overcome the world (John 16:33).  Paul said that he learned to be content no matter what was going on in his life (Philippians 4:11).  We can be assured knowing that for those who love God, He will deliver us out of our troubles (Psalm 34:19).

We should decide not to be concerned, upset, anxious, or fearful.  In a quote usually attributed to Abraham Lincoln, says “People are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”  Let us make up our minds that we will not let people, places, or things drag our thinking down. Let us resolve that while we may not be happy all the time, we will not worry, but we will think thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8).  Do not worry, but allow yourself to think on the goodness of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:6
New International Version (NIV)

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

John 14:1
New International Version (NIV)

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.

John 16:33
New International Version (NIV)

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Philippians 4:11
New International Version (NIV)

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Psalm 34:19
New International Version (NIV)

19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

Philippians 4:8
New International Version (NIV)

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things